A group in Staten Island photographed toting what appeared to be assault rifles Friday morning were likely carrying paintball guns and not the lethal weapons, cops said.

The four young men and a woman wearing a hijab head scarf were spotted in a Midland Beach parking lot transferring the black “weapons” between two cars.

But NYPD firearms expert said Friday afternoon they “strongly resembled” paintball guns after conducting a forensic exam, according to NYPD Deputy Commissioner John Miller.

Cops also said they interviewed one of the owners of the cars who said he was going paintball shooting with pals Friday.

“The investigation is continuing,” Miller said in a statement.

Police were on high alert after a retired cop tipped them off about the suspicious activity in wake of the massacre of four Marines in Tennessee.